Análise de células t regulatórias foxp3+no líquen plano oral

T regulatory cells have the function of controlling immune responses and maintaining self-tolerance. The FoxP3 has been considered the most specific marker for Treg cells. The aiming of this paper was to evaluate the immunoexpression of FoxP3 in the inflammatory infiltrate from oral lichen planus (OLP) and to compare it with the infiltrate in fibrous inflammatory hyperplasia (FIH) and then, between reticular and erosive forms of OLP. The samples were composed by 32 cases of OLP (17 reticular and 15 erosive) beyond 10 cases of FIH that were submitted to immunohistochemistry staining for FoxP3. Localization of the staining was classified in underepithelial and intraepithelial and the amount of FoxP3+ cells was evaluated through cells counting in 10 consecutive fields, at 400x power magnification. The values were expressed in mean ± standart deviation, and submitted to statistical tests with 5% of significance level. It was observed a statistical significant difference in the amount of FoxP3+ Treg cells between the two combined forms of OLP (1,6 ± 2,2) and the FIH (0,5 ±0,4) (P<0,05). This maybe could be explained by immunological mechanism of OLP, which involves a permanent antigenic induction likely with consequent perpetuation of lesion, eliciting the proliferation and constant recruitment of Treg cells. Otherwise, FIH presents a different etiopathogenesis, in which there is also generation of a variable inflammatory infiltrate, however qualitatively distinct from that seen in OLP. The erosive form of OLP exhibited a greater number (1,7 ± 2,4) of FoxP3+ Treg cells than reticular form (1,5 ± 2,1). These alterations could have relation with the great disease activity verified in erosive OLP, or also, with abnormalities in the regulatory function of Treg cells that could cause the increase observed. Considering the capacity already well established in the literature, both about Treg cells in modulating immune responses, as in the oral mucosa in showing great potential for regeneration, it is suggested that the possibility of development and implantation of immunotherapeutic strategies that regulate the frequency and function of these cells, may help in future treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as OLP

Expressão imuno-histoquímica de IL-17, TGF-β1 e FOXP3 em ganulomas periapicais, cistos radiculares e cistos radiculares residuais

Periapical lesions are chronic inflammatory conditions of periradicular tissues considered direct consequences of infectious diseases resulting from pulp necrosis and subsequent progression to periapical region. The participation of the immune response and bone resorption in the formation of these lesions has been investigated, so that different cell types and cytokines have been identified as contributors to this process. In this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of IL-17, TGF-β1 and FoxP3 in periapical granulomas (PGs), radicular cysts (RCs) and residual radicular cysts (RRCs), seeking a better understanding of the etiopathogenesis these periapicopatias. To this end, we selected 20 cases of GPs, 20 CRs and 10 RRCs to undergo morphological analysis and immunohistochemistry for biomarkers above, the latter being performed quantitatively using scores and average percentages of immunostaining for the analysis of IL-17 and TGF- β1, while for the FoxP3 were counted only the positive lymphocytes. The results showed statistically significant differences between TGF-β1 and FoxP3 imunoexpressions, in relation to the periapical lesions studied (p = 0.002, p <0.001, respectively) but not between IL-17 and these (p = 0.355). Furthermore, the analysis of lymphocytes FoxP3-positive revealed significant statistical differences in that refers to the intensity of inflammatory infiltrate (p = 0.003) and also regarding thickness of the epithelial lining (p = 0.009). Finally, it was observed in the case of PGs, strong positive correlation between the amount of FoxP3- positive lymphocytes and the immunohistochemical expression of TGF-β1 (r = 0.755, p<0.001), as well as moderate positive correlation between IL-17 and TGF-β1 imunoexpressions (r = 0.503, p = 0.024). Thus, we can conclude that interactions between Th17 and Treg cells seem to be established at the site of injury, suggesting the involvement of both pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions

Análise imuno-histoquímica das proteínas VEGF e HIF-1α na doença periodontal

Periodontal disease is a complex inflammatory and infectious condition that immune host, front of the microbial aggressions, can lead to disease progression, resulting in tissue destruction. The tissue damage induces the release of regulatory molecules, which protective roles and / or destructive, including proteins VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor vascular) and HIF-1 α (hypoxia-induced factor α -1). Thus, this study investigated, quantitatively and comparatively, the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and HIF-1 α (hypoxia induced factor 1-α), proteins involved in inflammation, angiogenesis and hypoxia, in human gingival tissues. Therefore, 75 samples of gingival tissues were examined. Thirty samples were chronic periodontitis, 30 with chronic gingivitis and 15 healthy gingival. After sections analysis, positives and negatives inflammatory and endothelial cells in the connective tissue were counted and converted into percentage. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation. The results showed that both proteins marked. It was observed higher immunoreactivity for HIF-1 α at chronic gingivitis and periodontitis specimens compared to healthy sites, however, no statistically significant differences were observed among them (p>0.05). The VEGF immunostaining showed similarity among the cases of periodontitis, gingivitis and healthy gingiva. Moderate and positive correlation statistically significant differences were verified for the expressions of VEGF and HIF-1α in gingival health (r = 0,529, p = 0.04). Thus, it can be conclude that possibly the route of HIF-1 α, is activated in periodontal disease may have involvement of the protein in pathogenesis and progression of disease, and that activation of VEGF, can be in addition to being triggered transcription by HIF-1 α may be also influenced by other additional factors such as the action of periodontal microorganisms endotoxins

Estudo da imunoexpressão dos transportadores de glicose 1 e 3 em carcinomas epidermóides de lábio inferior e sua relação com parâmetros clínico-patológicos

The Epidermoid Carcinoma (EC) is the most common lesions located in the region of the head and neck and, despite advances in treatment modalities, the prognosis is still poor. The malignant cells show an increase in glucose uptake, process mediated by glucose transporters (GLUTs). Increased expression of GLUT 1 and GLUT 3 is related to the aggressive behavior of this lesion. The aim of this study was to evaluate, through immunohistochemistry, the expression of GLUTs 1 and 3 in EC of the lower lip. The sample consisted of 40 cases of EC of the lower lip, of which 20 had regional lymph node metastasis and the remaining 20 with absence of metastasis. The percentages of immunostained cells in front of tumor invasion and in the center of tumor were evaluated. These results were related to the presence and absence of lymph node metastasis, TNM classification and histological grading. The percentage of cytoplasmic/membranous expression of GLUT 1 ranged from 77.35% to 100%, while for GLUT 3 this value ranged from 0.79% to 100%. As for nuclear staining for GLUT 1, this percentage ranged from 0 to 0.42%, however. GLUT 3 showed only one case with nuclear staining. Despite the significant expression of tumor cells related to the proteins studied, we observed no statistically significant relationship between the variables and the antibodies analyzed, regardless of the region evaluated. However, there was a moderate positive correlation between cytoplasmic/membranous immunoexpressions of GLUT 1 in invasion front and in the tumor center (r = 0.679, p <0.001). Similarly, moderate positive correlation was found between the nuclear immunoexpressions of GLUT 1 in the invasion front and in the tumor center (r = 0.547, p <0.001). For GLUT 3, was also observed a moderate statistically significant positive correlation between cytoplasmic/membranous expression in tumor invasion front and in tumor center (r = 0.589, p <0.001). We also observed that the immunoreactivity for GLUT 1 was higher than GLUT 3 expression in invasion front (p <0.001) and tumor center (p <0.001). From these results, this study suggests that tumor hypoxia is a remarkable characteristic of the EC of the lower lip and GLUT 1 may be primarily responsible for glucose uptake into the interior of the malignant cells

Expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas IFN-γ e TGF-β1 em cistos radiculares e cistos dentígeros

Odontogenic cysts are pathologic cavities covered by odontogenic epithelium and filled by liquid, desquamated cells or other materials. The intraosseous lesions, such as radicular cyst and dentigerous cyst, present a potential of expansion capable of promoting the destruction of the surrounding osseous tissue. The mechanisms related to this process of expansion are the proliferation of cystic epithelium, the increase of the osmolarity of the cystic fluid and the synthesis of reabsorption factors such as IFN-γ and TGF-β1. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the immunohistochemical expression of IFN-γ and TGF-β1 between radicular cysts and dentigerous cysts in order to understand the role and behavior of these proteins in the expansion of these cysts. We selected 20 cases of radicular cyst and 20 cases of dentigerous cyst chosen from the files of UFRN s Laboratory of Oral Pathology. After analyzing the clinical data, the cases underwent the routine staining technique (HE) and immunohistochemistry for the appearance of IFN-γ and TGF-β1 in the epithelium and capsule of these cysts. The statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test revealed no statistically significant difference in immunoexpression of IFN-γ between the epithelium (p = 0.565) and capsules (p = 0.414) of radicular cysts and dentigerous cysts. Moreover, there was no statistically significant difference of immunoexpression of TGF-β1 between the epithelium (p = 0.620) and capsules (p = 0.056) of radicular cysts and dentigerous cysts. The Wilcoxon test revealed no statistically significant difference between IFN-γ and TGF-β1 imunoexpressions in the epithelium (p = 0.225) and capsules (p = 0.370) of radicular cysts. There was no statistically significant difference between IFN-γ and TGF-β1 imunoexpressions in the epithelium (p = 0.361) of dentigerous cysts. However, there was a statistically significant difference between IFN-γ and TGF-β1 immunoexpressions in the capsule (p = 0.001) of dentigerous cysts, being TGF-β1 the factor which presented the most significant immunoexpression. Given these results, we conclude that there was no difference in immunohistochemical expression of IFN-γ and TGF-β1 between radicular and dentigerous cysts and that TGF-β1 was more significant than the IFN-γ in the capsule of dentigerous cysts

Estudo imuno-histoquímico da expressão da glut-1 e mensuração do índice angiogênico (CD34) em adenomas pleomórficos, carcinomas adenóides císticos e carcinomas mucoepidermóides de glândulas salivares

The expression of glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT-1), as well the angiogenesis has been associated to clinical behavior and aggressiveness in tumors of various origin. It is believed that the expression of this protein denotes metabolic demand of the tumor cells and, thus its influence upon the formation of new blood vessels. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and the adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) represent, respectively, the most commom benign and malignant tumors of salivary glands. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the immunohistochemical expression of GLUT-1 and its correlation with angiogenesis in cases of PAs, ACCs and MECs considering their histological grades. The sample consisted of 20 PAs, 20 ACCs and 10 MECs. The cases were analyzed and classified according to their histological grades. The expression of GLUT-1 was evaluated in the parenchyma lesions, establishing the percentage of immunopositive cells, according to the following scores: 0 (no cell immunomarked), 1 (up to 25% of tumor cells immunostained), 2 (25 - 50% of tumor cells immunostained) and 3 (more than 50% of tumor cells immunostained). The angiogenic index was analyzed by counting the microvessels immunostained by anti-CD34 antibody, in 5 fields (200X). The analysis of the expression of GLUT-1 in tumor parenchyma showed statistically significant differences between benign and malignant groups (p = 0.022). The average number of microvessels in PAs was 40.4, 21.2 in ACCs and 66.5 in MECs, with significant differences between groups (p <0.001). When compared to the expression of GLUT-1 and angiogenic index as a whole, there was no significant correlation between the number of microvessels and the expression of GLUT-1 (r = 0.211, p = 0.141). In conclusion, the results of this study suggest not only that differences in biological behavior between PAs, ACCs and MECs may be associated to the expression of GLUT-1, but also that benign and malignant salivary gland present differences in the average number of microvessels, with higher levels considered more aggressive tumors. Furthermore, the number of newly formed microvessels can be independent of the metabolic demand of the tumor cells

Expressão imuno-histoquimica de colagenase-1 e gelatinases A e B em mixomas odontogênicos e papilas de germes dentários

The odontogenic myxoma shares cellular and structural aspects with dental papilla, which has been implicated as probable origin of this neoplasm. The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative immunohistochemical analysis for the expression of collagenase-1 (MMP-1) and gelatinases A (MMP-2) and B (MMP-9) in odontogenic myxomas and dental papilla of teeth germs. Twelve cases of odontogenic myxomas and eight specimens of teeth germs were selected. It was taken into consideration the presence or absence of immunoreactivity, the pattern of immunohistochemical distribution of proteases within extracellular matrix, as well as, the number of cells revealing immunostaining for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). It was verified a significant difference (p<0,05) in relation to MMP-2 immunoexpression, which was observed only within extracellular matrix of myxomas. Nevertheless, MMP-1 labeling was revealed by most of the cases of odontogenic myxoma, at levels close to those observed in dental papilla. In relation to the pattern of distribution, a significant difference was obtained between specimens (p<0,05), with neoplasms predominantly exhibiting a focal pattern for MMP-1. The quantitative analysis of neoplastic cells labeled for MMPs denoted a significant difference (p<0,05), demonstrating a higher proportion of MMP-1 in comparison to MMPs-2 and -9. It can be concluded that immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1 at levels comparable to those observed in dental papilla and quantitatively superior in relation to MMPs-2 and -9, suggest an implication of this protease on extracellular matrix degradation of odontogenic myxomas. Moreover, the possibility of interactions with receptors involved in cellular adhesion, particularly with integrins, suggests a plausible function on local invasiveness of such neoplasms. Additionally, the presence of a descent immunoexpression gradient for these MMPs on odontogenic myxomas, associated to substrate specificity inherent in each enzyme, suggest the existence of a coordinated mechanism between interstitial collagenase and gelatinases A and B in order to allow an efficient degradation of extracellular matrix and local invasion by neoplastic cells

Expressão imunoistoquímica de Glut-1 e marcadores de proliferação e apoptose em anomalias vasculares orais

Vascular anomalies constitute a distinct group of lesions, but they may present similar clinical and histopatological characteristics, which can lead to diagnostic mistakes. This study aimed by histopathology and immunohistochemical expression of human glucose transporter protein (GLUT-1), correctly identify and classify oral vascular anomalies, besides analyzing the immunoexpression of markers proliferation and apoptosis (Ki-67 and Bcl-2). All cases diagnosed as "oral hemangiomas" belonging to the archives of the Service of Pathological Anatomy from the subject of Oral Pathology of the Department of Dentistry (DOD), of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) were reviewed, totalizing 77 cases. Immunohistochemical analysis for GLUT-1 showed that only 26 (33.8%) of the specimens were true infantile hemangiomas (IHs). The 51 (66.2%%) GLUT-1 negative specimens were then reclassified as pyogenic granulomas (PGs) and vascular malformations (VMs) from their histopathologic characteristics,totalizing 26 (33.8%) cases of IHs, 20 (26.0%) of PGs and 31 (40.2) cases of oral VMs. The cases analyzed by the marker Ki-67 showed different median IH (13,85), PG (33,70) and VM (4.55) with statistically significant differences between them (p <0.001). In relation to the protein Bcl-2, the groups also showed different median of the established scores IH (1.00), PG (1.50), VMs (0.0) demonstrating statistically significant differences between them (p<0,001). No statistically significant correlation between the indexes of positivity for Ki-67 and the scores of immunoexpression of Bcl-2 were observed in any group. Thus, we can conclude that it is necessary a careful and parameterized review of cases of vascular anomalies making use of auxiliary tools such as GLUT-1, since the histopathological findings alone, sometimes, are not sufficient to differentiate some anomalies. Furthermore, analysis of the expressions of markers involved in the levels of proliferation of lesions is important for a better understanding of its biological behavior aspect

Estudo da expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas MMP-9, MMP-13 e TIMP-1 em ameloblastomas e tumores odontogênicos ceratocistos

Ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOT) represent odontogenic lesions that, despite their benign nature, are distinguished by a distinct biological behavior, characterized by locally aggressive growth and recurrent episodes. The gnathic bone resorption caused by the growth of these lesions is a key to the expansion of the same, both being mediated by osteoclastic cells like enzymatic activity of various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) factor. The expression of stimulatory factors and inhibitors of bone resorption has been correlated with the development of these lesions, with emphasis to some MMPs such as collagenases and gelatinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), among others. Based on the premise that stimulatory and inhibitory factors of osteolytic processes can be decisive for the growth rate of intraosseous odontogenic lesions, this experiment evaluated the immunoreactivity of MMP-9, -13 and TIMP-1 protein in the epithelium and mesenchyme of ameloblastoma and the KOT specimens, by a quantitative analysis of the immunoreactivity cells. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests with a significance level set at 5 %. Immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9, -13 and TIMP-1 was observed in 100% of cases both in the epithelium and in mesenchyme. The immunoreactivity in the epithelium of KOT and ameloblastomas revealed a predominance of score 3 for MMP-9 (p=0.382) and MMP-13 (p=0.069) and no statistically significance for TIMP-1, the latter being significantly higher immunoreactivity in ameloblastomas. In the mesenchyme, there was a higher score immunoreactivity of MMP-13 (p=0.031) in ameloblastomas in relation to KOT, whereas for MMP-9 and TIMP-1 no statistically significant difference (p=0.403 was observed, p=1.000). The calculation of the ratio of scores revealed expression of proteins in general, similarity of the lesions, a significant predominance of equal expression of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 was observed only in the epithelium of ameloblastoma. The marked immunostaining of MMP-9 , MMP-13 and TIMP-1 in epithelium and mesenchyme of the lesion indicate that these proteins involved in ECM remodeling required for tumor progression, however, specific differences in the expression of some of these proteins, are not sufficient to suggest differences in the biological behavior of ameloblastomas and KOTs

Avaliação imuno-histoquímica das galectinas-1, -3, -4 e -7 em carcinoma epidermóide de língua.

Several studies are carried out with aim to establish parameters to determine biologic behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma, in order this neoplasm presents high rates of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of present research was to performe a clinic, morphologic and immunohistochemical analysis by the expression of galectins 1, 3, 4 and 7 in 65 cases of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, correlating this expression with clinics (outcome of the disease, metastasis and clinical staging) and morphologic parameters (malignancy histologic gradation system). The clinical and morphologic parameters analysed and expression of galectins 1, 3, 4 and 7 were submitted to statistical analysis (Qui2 test), observing that can be utilized as indicators of the biological behavior of the tongue squamous cell carcinoma. The galectin 1 was expressed in 87,7% of cases studied and it exhibit statistically significant correlation with metastasis (p=0,033) and clinical staging (p=0,016), it is located mostly in the citoplasm of the stomal cells. The immunoexpression of galectin 3 in 87,7% of cases was correlated with the presence of metastasis (p=0,033) and malignancy histological gradation system (p=0,031), observed, mostly of cases, in tongue squamous cell carcinoma of malignancy high grading. The galectin 4 showed no statistical significance to any of the parameters evaluated. The expression of galectin 7 in 73,8% of cases showed statistically significant correlation with the malignancy histologic grading (p=0,005), which is marking exclusively found in neoplastic epithelial cells, in the mostly of cases, it is found in cytoplasm and membrane (50%). The expressive immunopositivy of the galectins 1, 3 and 7, observed in this research, leads us to suggest a broad participation of these proteins in oral carcinogenesis, and its possible use as markers of biological behavior and tumor progression in cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Estudo da expressão imuno-histoquímica das MMPs -2, -7, -9 e -26 e TIMPs -1 e -2 em adenomas pleomórficos e carcinomas adenóides císticos de glândulas salivares menores

The balance between the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) has been related to various physiological and pathological processes, including salivary gland morphogenesis and tumor invasion and metastasis processes. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) respectively represent benign and malignant neoplasias of salivary glands. Although they share the same cell origin, they present distinct biological behavior. The aim of this study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of MMPs -2, -7, -9 and -26, and of TIMPs -1 and -2, in cases of PA and ACC of minor salivary glands. Twenty cases of PA and twenty cases of ACC were assessed according to the presence, intensity and location of MMPs and TIMPs in the tumor parenchyma. Most of the PAs and ACCs presented a high expression of MMP -2, -7, -9 and -26 and of TIMP -1 and -2, predominantly located in tumor cells. There was no significant difference in the expression of MMPs -2 (p=0.359), -7 (p=0.081) and -26 (p=0.553), as well as of TIMPs -1 (p=0.657) and -2 (p=0.248), between the parenchyma of PAs and ACCs. However, MMP-9 showed a significant difference of expression between the two tumors, with the ACC showing more intense marking for this gelatinase (p=0.041). The strong expression of MMP-9 observed in the parenchyma suggests that this gelatinase may play an important role in the biological behavior of these tumors. On the other hand, although there was no significant difference between the marking of MMP -2, 7 and 26 in the studied tumors, the data, when analyzed as a whole, suggest that these proteases may take part in the process of tissue remodeling in both tumors, but do not present a direct relation with the pattern of aggressiveness of ACC. Nonetheless, matrilisins may indirectly influence the behavior of this tumor due to their capacity of activating MMP-9, strongly expressed in the parenchyma of ACC

Expressão Imuno-histoquímica de COX-2, EMMPRIN, HIF-1α e GLUT-1 no tecido gengival normal e inflamado

The aim of this study was determine whether an association exists in the gum tissue between the expression of markers of tissue hypoxia (HIF-1α and GLUT-1) with a marker of inflammatory activity (COX-2) and a marker of collagen degradation (EMMPRIN). Was performed immunohistochemistry with antibodies specific for these markers on 60 samples of gingival tissue divided into two groups: gums (n = 26) and gingivitis (n = 34) and expression was analyzed in the epithelial tissue and connective tissue . The reactivity epithelial for COX-2 was observed in only two cases as the HIF-1α, GLUT-1 and EMMPRIN was strongly expressed in the epithelial basal layer and the immunostaining was gradually decreased as the cells away from this layer, and negative in the region suprabasal in most specimens. In connective tissue, and HIF-1α EMMPRIN were strongly positive for most cases analyzed as GLUT-1 was negative in most cases. Immunostaining for COX-2 showed an association with gingival inflammatory infiltrate. The expression of EMMPRIN, HIF-1α and GLUT-1 in normal gums confirms the physiological role of these markers, however there was no association with tissue inflammation. Given the findings we can conclude that the inflammatory changes installed in frames of chronic gingivitis may not be sufficient to activate the factors of hypoxia to levels that can be quantified by immunohistochemical analysis, in addition, the findings are not conclusive in relationship to involvement of EMMPRIN in the secretion of MMPs to degrade collagen in the frames of gingivitis. We suggest the use of technical analysis and quantification of RNA of EMMPRIN and MMPs in order to determine whether collagen degradation observed in gingivitis suffers or not, significant influence of EMMPRIN for secretion and activation of MMPs

Imunoexpressão de vegf-c, vegfr-3 e hif-1α e mensuração da densidade linfática em carcinomas epidermóides de lábio inferior metastáticos e não-metastáticos: uma relação com parâmetros clinicopatológicos e prognósticos

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip is among the most common malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region, with good prognosis in more than 90% of patients with 5-year survival. In these carcinomas, the development of lymph node metastasis decreases the prognosis and it has been associated with the formation of new lymphatic vessels. It has been suggested the important role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), the receptor type 3 VEGF (VEGFR-3) and hypoxia-induced factor 1 (HIF-1) in this process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of VEGF-C, VEGFR-3 and HIF-1α and correlate with intra and peritumoral lymphatic density in squamous cell carcinomas of the lower lip metastatic and non-metastatic. The sample consisted of 50 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of lower lip, of which 25 had regional lymph node metastasis and 25, absence of metastasis. The percentages of cells immunostained for VEGF-C, VEGFR-3 and HIF-1α in front of tumor invasion and in the center of tumor were evaluated. Microvessel density lymphatic (MDL) was determined by the counting of lymph microvessels immunostained by the anti-D2-40 in five fields (200×), in an area of evaluation with 0.7386 mm2. The invasion of the lymph vessels by malignant cells was also evaluated. Immunostaining was correlated with the presence and absence of metastasis, TNM clinical stage, local recurrence, disease outcome (remission of injury or patient death) and histological grading. The analysis of intra and peritumoral lymphatic density showed no significant association with clinicopathological parameters and immunoexpressions of VEGF-C, VEGFR-3 and HIF-1α (p > 0,05). There was a weak positive correlation, significant, between intra and peritumoral lymphatic density (r = 0,405; p = 0,004). VEGF-C showed no significant association with clinicopathological and prognosis parameters (p > 0,05). For VEGFR-3, there was scarce membrane staining and intense and homogenous cytoplasmic staining in neoplastic cells. Percentage of positive cytoplasmic VEGFR-3 in center of tumor, exhibited a statistically significant association with metastasis (p = 0,009), patient death (p = 0,008) and histological grades of malignancy proposed by Bryne et al. (1992) (p = 0,002) and World Health Organization (p = 0,003). A low positive correlation was statistically significant between the immunoreactivity of VEGFC and VEGFR-3 cytoplasmic (r = 0,358; p = 0,011) and between the percentage of positive cytoplasmic VEGFR-3 in front of tumor invasion and in the center of the tumor (r = 0,387; p = 0,005) was also demonstrated. There was no association between HIF-1α, clinicopathological and prognosis parameters, and VEGF-C and VEGFR-3. The percentage of nuclear positivity for HIF-1α was significantly higher in cases without invasion of peritumoral lymphatic (p = 0,040). Based on the results we can conclude that most cytoplasmic expression of VEGFR-3 in center of tumor in metastatic cases, high degree of malignancy and poorly differentiated, contributes to poor outcome of squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip, including patient death. Intra and peritumoral lymphatic density seems to be not associated with lymph node metastasis in these carcinomas

Avaliação de métodos de análises para determinação da contagem de células somáticas no leite cru, mantido em tanque de resfriamento

We analyzed the quality of raw milk from eight dairy farms in Rio Grande do Norte stored in a cooling tank , in order to evaluate methods for determining somatic cell counts (SCC). The Somaticell® kit and a portable Direct Cell Counter (DCC) were compared with each other and with the MilkoScanTM FT+ (FOSS Denmark), which uses Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy). Direct cell counter data were processed for somatic cell scores (log-transformed somatic cell count) and analyzed with the SAS®, statistical package , Statistical Analysis System, (SAS, INSTITUTE, 1998). Comparison of means and correlation of somatic cell scores were conducted using Pearson s correlation coefficient and the Tukey Test at 1 %. No significant difference was observed for comparison of means. The correlation between somatic cell scores was significant, that is, 0.907 and 0.876 between the MilkoScanTM FT+ and the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC) respectively, and 0.943 between the Somaticell® kit and Direct Cell Count (DCC). The methods can be recommended for monitoring the quality of raw milk kept in a cooling tank in the production unit

Aspectos anatômicos do olho e neuroquímicos da retina do mocó (Kerodon rupestris)

The visual system is an important link between the animal and the environment, com profound influences on the habits and lifestyle in various habitats. Adaptive mechanismsto the temporal niche are present in the visual system of many vertebrates, involving changins in ocular dimensios and design, retinal cell distribution and organization of neurochemical circuits related to the retinal resolution or sensitivity. The sensory system of the eye is represented by the retina, whose organization is responsible by receipty, initial analysis, and transmission of the information to the brain. The knowledge of the position of the eyes in the head and the distribution of retinal cells allow to identify adaptive aspects of each species to its visual field, which is characteristic to the ecological niche it occupies. In this research, we study eye anatomical characteristics and retina neurochemical features of the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), a tipical Brazilian rodent from the suborder Hystricomorpha, family Caviidae. The rock cavy has lateral eyes well constitute bony orbit and well differentiated extrinsic muscle. The study of the descriptive and morphometric anatomy of the showed mean values of axial diameter 10.7±0,5mm and equatorial diameter 11.6±0.7mm. The pupil is slit shaped and the lens has mean axial diameter 5.4±0.03 mm, corresponding to ~45% of the axial diameter of the eye. The posterior nodal distance and the retinal magnification factor were estimated at 6.74 mm e 118 μm/grau, respectively. Flat mounts were processed for Nissl stain, and the topographic distribution of ganglion cells showed a moderate visual band, just below the optic disc, with higher density in the ventral retina. Retinal vertical sections and flat mounts were processed for immunohistochemistry to visualize tyrosine hydroxilase (TH) and thus two types of TH+ cells were detected. Type 1 cells had strong TH-immunoreactivity, the body cell varied from 120.047 to 269.373 μm2 stratifying in the sublamina 1 of the IPL. Type 2 cells were weakly TH-imunoreactive, had cell body located mostly in the IPL, varying from 54.848 to 177.142 μm2, constituting ~10% of the TH+ cells. Both cell types exhibited similar topographic distribution with higher density found in a horizontal band along of the naso-temporal axis in the dorsal retina. The total population of dopaminergic cells was 2,156±469,4 cells, occupying an average area of 198,164 μm2. The presence of cones and rods was detected by immunohistochemistry in vertical sections and flat mounts. S cones density is around 10 times smaller than L cones, with different degree of spatial organization. Other retinal neuronal populations of the rock cavy were also detected in vertical sections with specific markers. Comparative analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the rock cavy eye 12 suggest that it was designed to acquire higher sensitivity to light, at expense of image sharpness, compatible with a vision at mesopic conditions. Additionally, the distribution of the 2 subtypes of dopaminergic cells in a naso-temporal band in the dorsal retina seems suitable to a gain in sensitivity, coherent with an animal with predominantly crepuscular activity pattern